The field of telecommunications and computer networking has become incredibly important in recent years. So many parts of our daily life would be almost impossible without computer networks. We use networks for email and messaging, watching our favorite shows, for telephone calls, and video conferencing. Even texting a friend involves a computer network!

A computer network is when computers exchange information with each other. This can mean a simpler connection between two computers or a cloud system that serves an entire company [i]. Telecommunications is communication over a distance. This can mean telephones, faxes, or computers. But telecommunications is increasingly dependent upon computer networks [ii].

Why Pursue a Telecom & Computer Networking Bachelor’s Degree?

Anyone interested in pursuing a career in computer networking needs to understand a range of information systems and technologies. This is why earning a bachelor’s degree in computer networking may be useful. By earning a bachelor’s degree in computer networking, students may have an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of information technology and computer networks in order to meet the needs of their organization or clients.[iii]

If you do pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer networking, the coursework itself may involve programming, network design, and network administration. Many students pursue their degree online. Online study may allow students more flexibility in their schedule, which can be especially helpful when they have a job or family and personal responsibilities.

Potential Careers for People with a Computer Networking Bachelor’s Degree

After you earn a bachelor’s degree in computer networking, you may be able to pursue a number of career paths that involve the installation, repair, and maintenance of networks and telecommunication systems. Many career paths could fall under the category of Information Technology, or IT. For example, computer network architects design and build different kinds of networks, from intranets to wide area networks (WANs) [v]. Network administrators might install network hardware and software and perform maintenance as needed [vi]. Whichever path you choose to pursue in computer networking, you might likely need to have earned a bachelor’s degree.[vii]

What Are the Potential Earnings in This Field?

There is a wide range of potential careers in this field. The potential income will vary by the position, your area of expertise, your geographic location, as well as other factors. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides the 2015 annual median wages and job outlook for positions in the field. Here are a few examples.

The median annual wage for Network Administrators was $77,810. The position is projected to grow by 8 percent through 2024. [ix]​

The median annual wage for Computer Network Architects was $100,240. The position is projected to grow by 9 percent through 2024. [x]

The median annual wage for Computer Support Network Specialists was $51,470. The position is anticipated to grow by 12 percent through 2024. [xi]

Some Required Skills

Whichever networking career path you pursue, you are likely to need a solid understanding of computer hardware and software, as well as knowledge of other kinds of electronic equipment. Working with computer networks also means that you’ve got to be able to multitask, as well as possess a combination of analytical and problem-solving skills [xii].

What’s Next?

A bachelor’s degree in computer networking earned online may be a wonderful way to jumpstart a career in the field of technology. If this sounds interesting, take a look at some sponsored programs on this page!

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